Phase I trial tests 'VEGF Trap' dose

Tarrytown, NY-Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. will begin a phase I trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of its "VEGF Trap" on patients with the wet form of age-related macular deneration.

The drug is designed to block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) associated with the abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the eye.

In the dose-escalating study, the drug is administered through a single intravitreal injection, after which patients are evaluated for 3 months to determine its effectiveness and provide dosing guidance for future trials.